Greetings, dear readers.
What you are about to read is a collection inspired by Anglo-Saxon folklore, particularly from the Netherlands, Germany, and the Austro-Hungarian regions, where Saxon-Germanic influences continued to thrive beyond the traditional Nordic vision. Is only my research, my speculation and only enjoy it.
The End of Ragnarok
In the heroic battle on the plains of Vigrid, Woden met his end in the jaws of the great wolf Fenrir. However, his son Vidar avenged him, defeating the monstrous beast. Thunor fought valiantly against the giant serpent Jormungandr, ultimately killing it with his mighty Mjolnir. Yet, the serpent’s venom coated his smiling face, and after taking nine steps, he too succumbed to death. Ingui-Frea was slain by Surt, the Fire Giant from Muspelheim, for his invincible sword was in the hands of Skimir. Tiw, the god of war, survived his duel with Garm, the guardian dog of Hel, but he too perished when the world was engulfed in flames. Finally, Heimdall and Loki clashed in combat, and both fell together, evenly matched.
Surtr, the destroyer, ended the battle by setting the entire world ablaze. Death claimed every being on Earth, and the bodies of the fallen, along with the most valiant, were consumed by the flames. The sun, once bright in the sky, was extinguished, and the stars disappeared. Toxic fumes arose, and flames burst forth across the heavens until finally, the Earth sank into the sea.
After Ragnarok
Before the wolves Skoll and Hati devoured Sól (the goddess of the Sun) and her brother Maní (the god of the Moon) during the Fymbulvethr (three long winters), Sól gave birth to her daughter Sunne, who survived Ragnarok alongside other gods. A new dawn arose, and the daughter of the Dawn illuminated a renewed world.
After the destruction of the old world, a new land emerged from the sea—green, fertile, and just. Asgaard still stood, connected to Midgaard, and the meadow of Idavollr, where the city of Asgaard was built, became the Field of Deeds. Here, the surviving gods would gather once more. Just as they had at the dawn of time, the Æsir would lay the first stone and build a new city.
The surviving gods—the goddesses of the Æsir and Vanir—along with Woden’s brother Vili, and Woden’s sons Vidar and Bous, as well as Thunor’s sons Modi and Magni, heirs of Mjolnir, united to shape the future. Hoenir, the Vanir who had given the first humans, Ask and Embla, their senses, held the wand of destiny, foreseeing what was to come, just as Mimir once had.
From Niflheim, the underworld, Hotherus and Baldr emerged, kneeling before Woden in Valhalla. When the gods gathered in Idavollr, they shared their secret knowledge and spoke of the great tragedies, including the destruction brought by Jörmungandr and Fenrir. There, they found the golden chessboards the Æsir once used and marveled at the sight.
Meanwhile, in Midgaard, two humans, Lifthrasir and his wife Lif, had survived in Mimir’s Forest. They repopulated the world and worshipped the new pantheon of gods, led by Baldr, the god of Light. With golden hair and blue eyes, Baldr represented the solar star and embodied internal purity, protecting the enlightened heart and happiness in the world of men. His presence symbolized the clear sky and the promise of a new beginning.
A New World
Above Midgaard and Asgaard, two new realms emerged: Andlang, the new home of the gods, and Vidblain, a refuge for the souls of the dead during and after Ragnarok. Both of these worlds were immune to the fire of Surt, the destroyer. After Ragnarok, a great golden structure called Gimle remained standing in Midgaard, where the gods resided. In Okolnir, within the same region, Brimir—a brewery where drinks were made in abundance—was established. In the dark mountains of Nidafjoll, a mansion of red gold called Sindri was built, where the virtuous and good-hearted souls would dwell forever, for Valhalla had been destroyed.
In the underworld, there existed a vast and vile place called Nastrond (the Shore of Corpses), where darkness reigned. Its walls and ceiling were covered in intertwined snakes that dripped venom into the interior, forming rivers in which murderers, oath-breakers, and the incestuous swam for eternity. In Niflheim, where the frozen spring of Hvergelmir began, the dragon Nidhogg tortured the bodies of the dead, draining their blood.
This new world is one where evil and misery will exist no more.
The Return of the Elder Gods
According to Saxo Grammaticus in the Gesta Danorum, the gods were originally a race of sorcerers. Some rose to power, driving out and crushing the others, ending the “Age of Sorcerers,” just as the sorcerers had ended the “Age of Giants.”
In some Saxon legends that survived into the 11th century, it is said that the gods Woden, Thunor, Ingui Frea, and Tiw were brought back to life by the magic of the Elves. They lived in Alfheim, the home of Ingui Frea, where they walked among men as wise leaders, teachers, and sages.
Woden now travels through Midgaard as a one-eyed old man with a grey beard, wearing a wide-brimmed hat and a dark blue coat, continuing to practice and teach galdra as a seid.
It is said that Woden had a son named Seaxnot, the father of the Saxon tribe.
Ingui Frea became an elder ranger of Mimir’s Forest, watching over the animal and plant kingdoms.
Thunor, without his hammer, inspired thinkers and warriors alike, urging them to return to their ancient faith and customs.
Tiw, the lord of war, taught men the value of honor and the defense of what is just and right.
Woden and Krampus
In his wisdom, Woden took into his service a dark, hairy creature with antelope horns, a long tongue, and fiery eyes—Krampus. Bound in chains and carrying a bell to signal his presence, Krampus became Woden’s assistant.
On the eve of the Winter Solstice (December or June 5th), Woden sent Krampus to identify the children who had been naughty. To them, he left coal in their stockings, and if their behavior was particularly bad, he would carry them away in his basket. On December or June 6th, the good children—those who were strong, active, and honorable—were rewarded with gifts.
Woden continues to live as an immortal being, residing in the northern reaches of Midgaard in Alfheim, alongside the Elves. From there, he visits Midgaard to continue his legacy of seid.
Christmas, as it is celebrated today, commemorates the birth of Jesus on December 25th. However, in Northern Europe, Woden is remembered on December 5th, walking the Earth and rewarding the children who would become people of honor and justice. On December 21st, Northern Europeans greet the Winter, as Woden, who overcame the Long Winter (Fymbulvethr), ensures that winter does not last longer than it should.
And so, dear readers, this is how we must view the divine world after Ragnarok. This is how we should see, understand, and respect it. Let us remember that the Elders revere Baldr as the ruler of the gods.
